[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 30, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H80-H86]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[[Page H80]]
FEDERAL FIREFIGHTERS RETIREMENT AGE FAIRNESS ACT
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass
the bill (H.R. 93) to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide
that the mandatory separation age for Federal firefighters be made the
same as the age that applies with respect to Federal law enforcement
officers, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 93
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Firefighters
Retirement Age Fairness Act''.
SEC. 2. MANDATORY SEPARATION AGE FOR FIREFIGHTERS.
(a) Civil Service Retirement System.--
(1) In general.--The second sentence of section 8335(b) of
title 5, United States Code, is amended--
(A) by inserting ``, firefighter,'' after ``law enforcement
officer''; and
(B) by inserting ``, firefighter,'' after ``that officer''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 8335(b) of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by striking the first
sentence.
(b) Federal Employees' Retirement System.--
(1) In general.--The second sentence of section 8425(b) of
title 5, United States Code, is amended--
(A) by inserting ``, firefighter,'' after ``law enforcement
officer'' each place it appears; and
(B) by striking ``courier'' the second place it appears and
inserting ``courier, as the case may be,''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 8425(b) of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by striking the first
sentence.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).
General Leave
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend
their remarks on the bill, H.R. 93, as amended.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Ohio?
There was no objection.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the House consider H.R. 93 this
evening, important legislation introduced by our colleague, the
gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly). This bipartisan legislation
amends Federal civil service law relating to the Civil Service
Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System to
provide the same mandatory separation age for Federal firefighters and
Federal law enforcement officers who have 20 years of service.
Currently, the mandatory separation age is 55 for firefighters and 57
for law enforcement officers. In both cases, an agency head may allow
the employee to work until the age of 60 if that is required by the
public interest.
The Subcommittee on Civil Service has examined the legislative
history of these mandatory separation ages and it has determined that
there is no rationale for continuing to maintain the discrepancy that
currently exists. If enacted, H.R. 93, this bill, will bolster our
firefighting capabilities. Allowing these brave men and women the
option of continuing their careers for an additional 2 years will make
it easier to maintain more experienced firefighters in the field and in
senior management positions.
Madam Speaker, I encourage all of our Members to support this bill.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, it certainly is a pleasure to be here this afternoon
on the first bill of this session. Madam Speaker, last year more than
6.5 million acres of land, more than two times the ten-year national
average, burned. Federal manpower resources were spread thin. More than
29,000 people were involved in firefighting efforts, including
approximately 2,500 Army soldiers and Marines, and fire managers from
Canada, Australia, Mexico and New Zealand.
In addition, 1,200 fire engines, 240 helicopters and 50 air tankers
were in use last season. If nothing else, last year's fire season
taught us that we must take steps to recruit and retain more Federal
firefighters. H.R. 93 is a step in that direction, and, I might add, a
step in the right direction.
From the start of the Civil Service Retirement System in 1920 until
1978, all Federal workers were required to retire at age 70 if, at that
age, they had completed at least 15 years of service. In 1978,
mandatory retirement was repealed for most Federal workers, although it
continues to apply to special occupational groups whose duties pertain
to public safety. Under current law, Federal law enforcement officers
must retire at age 57 or as soon after that age as they complete 20
years of service. The agency head may grant exemptions up to the age
60. Federal firefighters must retire at age 55 or as soon thereafter as
they complete 20 years of service. H.R. 93 would raise the mandatory
retirement age for firefighters to mirror that of Federal law
enforcement officers. It would raise the mandatory retirement age of
Federal firefighters to age 57.
In June 2000, the Washington Post reported a 5.8 percent reduction in
the number of firefighters nationwide. H.R. 93 will help stem the
declining firefighter population and will help the Federal Government
retain some of its most experienced firefighters.
In addition to supporting this legislation, I urge my colleagues to
support a bill I introduced in the 106th Congress, and plan to
reintroduce this session, that will be of equal benefit to the Federal
public safety community.
Introduced last session as H.R. 1769, the bill works to eliminate a
number of inequities found in the computation of benefits for public
safety employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System and the
Civil Service Retirement System. It is my hope that the chairman of the
Subcommittee on Civil Service, the gentleman from Florida (Mr.
Scarborough), H.R. 93 author, the gentleman from California (Mr.
Gallegly), and the firefighter and law enforcement communities will
work with me to move my legislation through the Congress this session.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the hard work of the
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps), who worked very diligently
with the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) to bring H.R. 93 to
the floor. I join my colleagues, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs.
Capps) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly), and ask that
this bill be given full support.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman
from California (Mr. Gallegly), the author of the bill.
(Mr. Gallegly asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
LaTourette) for yielding me this time.
Madam Speaker, I would first like to thank the leadership, the
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton) and the subcommittee chairman, the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), for all their help in
bringing this bill to the floor early in our session.
I would also like to thank my constituent, retired Captain Mike Hair
of the Federal firefighting unit at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, for
first bringing this important issue to my attention.
Madam Speaker, H.R. 93, the Federal Firefighters Retirement Age
Fairness Act, is a bill I first introduced way back in 1995 to stop the
forced early retirement of our Federal firefighters. The bill raises
the mandatory retirement age for Federal firefighters from 55 to 57
allowing Federal firefighters the option of continuing their careers
for an additional 2 years. The bill has gained bipartisan management
and labor support with the endorsement of the International Association
of Fire Chiefs, as well as the American Federation of Government
Employees and the National Association of Government Employees.
Several years ago, Congress raised the mandatory retirement age for
Federal law enforcement officers from 55 to 57. However, Congress
neglected to raise the retirement age for Federal firefighters. As a
result, we are losing
[[Page H81]]
our best and our most experienced firefighters to forced early
retirement. Federal firefighters not only fight fires, they provide
emergency medical service response, response to hazardous material
situations and inspect and protect our military bases and other Federal
employees. In fact, they were among the first to respond to the
Oklahoma City bombing. If enacted, this bill will bolster our
firefighter HAZMAT and EMS capabilities.
We will maintain more experienced firefighters in the field and in
senior management positions by allowing these brave men and women the
option of continuing their careers for an additional 2 years.
As an added bonus, Madam Speaker, the CBO estimates that the bill
will actually save the government $4 million over the next 5 years. We
must act now to ensure we have the experienced personnel needed to
fight our Nation's fires and to be prepared to respond to future
critical situations.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
the Eighth District of New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), who was the author of
the Fire Act that became law during the last session. This was the
first comprehensive fire bill ever passed on the part of DOD in the
reauthorization. So he has been one of those Members of Congress who
has, along with the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) and the
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps), been at the forefront of
addressing the concerns and the needs of our firefighters.
Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr.
Cummings) for yielding me this time.
Madam Speaker, I also thank my good friends, the gentleman from Ohio
(Mr. LaTourette) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) for
once again stepping to the plate. We did make progress in the House of
Representatives, but so many of our efforts which were bipartisan
stopped at the doorstep. This is important legislation. It again helps
us address the other half of the public safety equation which has been
neglected for so long.
Whether we are talking about the gentleman from California (Mr.
Gallegly), whether we are talking about the gentleman from Pennsylvania
(Mr. Weldon), whether we are talking about the gentleman from Maryland
(Mr. Hoyer), people that have been out there on the stump for 10 years
for our firefighters, I am honored to join with them in looking at one
part of those folks who put their lives on the line every day by
raising the mandatory retirement age for the Federal firefighters from
55 to 57. H.R. 93 allows Federal firefighters the option of continuing
their careers for an additional 2 years.
How many public servants in public safety all over America are being
pushed out of their jobs? We are losing, as the prior speakers have
addressed, our most experienced people. While we are moving away from
the high salaries, quote/unquote, that those folks may be receiving,
their years of experience can never be paid for. We cannot put a dollar
sign on it. We are addressing this inequity today.
Our Federal facilities, military facilities, our national forests,
our National Fire Center in Idaho, are a very part of the national
fabric. The Federal Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act has
bipartisan management and labor support. This is only appropriate,
Madam Speaker. After all, firefighters do not go into a burning
building and ask the folks which political party they belong to.
It has also won the endorsement of the International Association of
Fire Chiefs and the American Federation of Government Employees. As I
always say, firefighters are the forgotten side of the public safety
equation. This was again proven true when the Congress raised the
mandatory retirement age for Federal law enforcement officers from 55
to 57 several years ago. At that time, Congress did not raise the
retirement age for Federal firefighters, and is it not interesting we
have played the game of catch-up with the 32,000 fire departments and
the million firefighters in America. We are always playing catch-up.
Thanks to the gentlemen and ladies I mentioned before, we are moving in
the right direction.
Finally, let me also remind our colleagues the role of the
firefighters is expanding. Several fire departments in this Nation
reach across county and city lines to assist each other with natural
disasters and incidents of domestic terrorism. In fact, there are two
fire search and rescue units that have responded to international
disasters on behalf of the United States, and our Federal firefighters
have been called on to go out of the country just recently to Mexico to
assist with problems in that country.
{time} 1745
Collectively, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department, Fairfax County
Search and Rescue Teams, while not Federal fire departments, have
traveled to several countries around the world. These men and women do
a job unbelievably and they get no credit for it, usually. Natural and
man-made disasters do not discriminate when and where they arise.
Proudly, the firefighters of the United States do not discriminate when
or where they provide help. The role of our firefighters is ever-
changing. It is my belief that the role that the Federal Government
plays during these changes must be commensurate.
Because the role of the American firefighters is expanding, this bill
will bolster more than firefighting capabilities. Hazardous material
response, emergency medical services, and natural disaster support will
be enhanced, Madam Speaker. By allowing these brave men and women the
option of continuing their careers for an additional 2 years, we will
maintain more experienced firefighters in the field and senior
management positions and, in fact, correct me if I'm wrong, it will
even save the Federal Government money.
Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this
public safety bill.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume to make the following comment: That the gentleman from New
Jersey really hides his own light under a bushel basket. He was very
effusive in his praise of the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly)
and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) and others which is
well deserved, but those of us that served in the last Congress know
full well the contribution of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr.
Pascrell) as the lead sponsor for carrying the fire bill through this
House, and the men and women that serve in the fire services owe the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), our friend, a great deal of
the credit.
Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr.
Grucci), one of our new Members on our side.
Mr. GRUCCI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor all of the brave and
fearless firefighters across the Nation who risk their lives on a daily
basis.
This is a common-sense bill that provides 9,120 Federal firefighters
with the opportunity to continue their careers for an additional 2
years. This is a simple measure that is afforded to other Federal law
enforcement officers in order to stop the forced early retirement of
well-qualified, experienced, emergency service personnel.
As my colleagues know, firefighters do more than just respond to
fires. Firefighters are the first to respond to traffic and medical
accidents and natural disasters like hurricanes. It is crucial that our
Nation maintains a firefighting force of highly capable, highly trained
competent men and women who are fully prepared to respond to any
critical emergency situation.
Once again, Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr.
Gallegly), the sponsor of this fine bill.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield 6\1/2\ minutes to the
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee), from the 18th District of
Texas. She certainly has been one at the forefront of addressing the
issues concerning our firefighters.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Maryland (Mr. Cummings), the ranking member, and I thank the gentleman
from California (Mr. Gallegly), who is a colleague of mine on the
Committee on the Judiciary, and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs.
Capps) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) for bringing this
bill to
[[Page H82]]
the floor of the House, or presenting it at this time, H.R. 93.
It gives me time to acknowledge the importance of this legislation,
the Federal Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act, but as well, it
gives me a moment to speak about the courageousness and the importance
of firefighters, both on the Federal level and on the local level.
I rise in support of H.R. 93, the Federal Firefighters Retirement Age
Fairness Act, that would amend the Federal civil service law to provide
that the mandatory retirement age for Federal firefighters be raised
from 55 to 57 years. This adjustment would put Federal firefighters'
retirement age on par with Federal law enforcement officers. I
appreciate very much the words of the gentleman from Baltimore,
Maryland (Mr. Cummings) and will join him in his effort to promote his
legislation as well.
Madam Speaker, in reviewing this bill, I was reminded of Benjamin
Franklin who, in paying tribute to firefighters wrote, ``Neither cold,
nor darkness will deter good people from hastening to the dreadful
place to quench the flame. They do it not for the sake of reward or
fame; but they do it for the reward in themselves, and the love they
have for their fellowman.''
If we just chronicle over the last 5 years or so the kind of heroic
and courageous efforts of our firefighters, well worth noting is the
enormous number of western fires that we have called them to help us
in, certainly the great tragedy of Oklahoma City when firefighters were
coming in from all over the country, assisting Federal firefighters,
and certainly the enormous amount of tragedies, natural disasters that
we have faced, whether it has been flood or hurricane or tornadoes, we
have called upon firefighters and emergency medical personnel under the
jurisdiction of firefighters to help our Nation.
The poem by Benjamin Franklin is true today, as it was in the days of
Benjamin Franklin. Madam Speaker, H.R. 93 recognizes this fact and was
introduced not to honor our Nation's firefighters, but to recognize
their desire to serve their country. Every day, firefighters pursue the
dangers of their jobs with unflinching hearts and unwavering spirits.
They face dangers on a daily basis that few of us can even imagine.
Because of them, homes and loved ones are protected. Time and time
again they battle fires, rescue children and the old, save lives and
return to the firehouse with the quiet pride of knowing that they truly
make a difference.
Federal firefighters not only fight fires, they provide emergency
medical service response, respond to hazardous materials situations,
and inspect and protect our military bases and other Federal
facilities. As I indicated, they were among those who first responded
to the Oklahoma City bombing.
Tomorrow, I will meet with a number of my constituents from the
firefighters' pension program in Houston. I would like to say to them
personally now on the day of this legislation that, although it covers
Federal firefighters, it is important to emphasize how much the
firefighters in my own hometown have done. We have had an enormously
cold winter, and we have found with the housing stock in Houston that
we have had, unfortunately, a series of tragedies because of the very
tinderbox-type of housing stock and the utilization of space heaters.
So our firefighters have been called upon to do great service.
As I indicated, in my home city of Houston, the Houston Fire
Department, which does not have a mandatory retirement age, is very
successful in preventing fires, due, in part, to the contributions of
seasoned and experienced firefighters. For example, experienced
firefighters of the Houston Fire Department have established successful
programs over the years to educate the public on ways to prevent fires
through community service seminars, fire safety meetings, as well as a
smoke detector donation program, which has been very successful.
In addition, the Houston Fire Department, as indicated and announced
by my mayor, Mayor Lee P. Brown, will receive international
certification as of today, January 30, 2001. The experienced members of
the Houston Fire Department found that, without the proper educational
programs which have formed their many years of experience, 81 percent
of youth that have played with and started fires would do it again.
However, because of the Houston Fire Department's fire prevention
programs which were established by seasoned veterans, it has maintained
a 98 percent success rate in preventing fire-setting behavior.
Madam Speaker, the Houston Fire Department has been successful and
has been a role model for fire departments across the country because
of the contributions of many of its firefighters who would be forced to
retire if they were under the current Federal firefighters mandatory
retirement requirement. Therefore, this bill is a common-sense bill
that seeks to follow the lead set by this Congress who, several years
ago, raised the mandatory retirement age for Federal law enforcement
officers from 55 to 57. While Congress neglected to raise the
retirement age for Federal firefighters at that time, H.R. 93 by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) would bring to par the
mandatory retirement age of firefighters with that of Federal law
enforcement officers.
Presently, we are losing our best and most experienced firefighters
forced to early retirement, and H.R. 93 would correct this, but it
would also reward individuals who want to serve. Madam Speaker, H.R. 93
even has bipartisan support from both management and labor, and has
received the endorsement of the International Association of Fire
Chiefs, as well as the American Federation of Government Employees and
the National Association of Government Employees.
I want to pay tribute, as I said, to my local firefighters union 341
and acknowledge that, in addition to the expertise we had in our local
community, this was a difficult year for Houston inasmuch as we lost
two of our valiant firefighters, for the first time in many, many years
that firefighters lost their lives in protecting Houstonians' lives and
property. They do it all the time willingly, and the Federal
firefighters are simply asking, allow us to do it a little longer.
If enacted, H.R. 93 will bolster our firefighting and emergency
services capabilities. We will maintain more experienced firefighters
in the field and in senior management positions by allowing these brave
men and women the option of continuing their careers for an additional
2 years. In addition, the CBO estimates that H.R. 93 will actually save
the government $4 million over the next 5 years.
Madam Speaker, I support this bill and I believe this will help us
not only fight fires here in this country, but fight fires abroad as we
have been asked to do quite frequently; and it will ensure this Nation
has the experienced personnel needed to fight fires throughout the
country. I urge my colleagues to join in this bipartisan effort.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 93, the Federal Firefighters
Retirement Age Fairness Act that would amend the federal civil service
law to provide that the mandatory retirement age for federal
firefighters be raised from 55 to 57 years old. This adjustment would
put federal firefighter's retirement age on par with federal law
enforcement officers.
Madam Speaker, in reviewing this bill I was reminded of Benjamin
Franklin, who in paying tribute to firefighters wrote, ``Neither cold,
nor darkness will deter good people from hastening to the dreadful
place to quench the flame. They do it not for the sake of reward or
fame; but they do it for the reward in themselves, and the love they
have for their fellowman.''
This quote by Benjamin Franklin is true today, as it was in the days
of Benjamin Franklin. H.R. 93 recognizes this fact and was introduced
not to honor our nation's firefighters but to recognize their desire to
serve their country. Every day, firefighters pursue the dangers of
their jobs with unflinching hearts and unwavering spirits. They face
dangers on a daily basis that few of us can even imagine. Because of
them, homes, and loves ones are protected. Time and time again they
battled fires, rescued children and the old, saved lives and return to
the firehouse with the quiet pride of knowing that they truly make a
difference.
Federal firefighters not only fight fires, they provide emergency
medical service response, respond to hazardous materials situations,
and inspect and protect our military bases and other federal
facilities. In fact, they were among those who responded to the
Oklahoma City bombing.
In my home city of Houston, the Houston Fire Department which does
not have a mandatory retirement age, is very successful in preventing
fires, due in part to the contributions of seasoned and experienced
firefighters.
[[Page H83]]
For example, experienced firefighters of the Houston Fire Department
have established successful programs over the years to educate the
public on ways to prevent fires through community service seminars,
fire safety meetings as well as a smoke detector donation program.
The experienced members of the Houston Fire Department found that
without the proper educational programs which they have formed their
many years of experience, 81 percent of youths that have played with
and started fires will do it again. However, because of the Houston
Fire Department's fire prevention programs which were established by
seasoned veterans, it has maintained a 98 percent success rate in
preventing fire setting behavior. Mr. Speaker, the Houston Fire
Department is successful and has been a role model for Fire Departments
across the country because of the contributions of many of its
firefighters who would be forced to retire if they were under the
current federal firefighter's mandatory retirement requirement.
This bill is a ``common sense bill'' that seeks to follow the lead
set by this Congress who several years ago, raised the mandatory
retirement age for ``federal law enforcement officers'' from 55 to 57.
While Congress neglected to raise the retirement age for federal
firefighters at that time, H.R. 93 would bring to par, the mandatory
retirement age of federal fighters with that of federal law enforcement
officers. Presently, we are losing our best and most experienced
firefighters to forced early retirement. H.R. 93 would correct this.
H.R. 93 even has bipartisan support from both management and labor,
and has received the endorsement of the International Association of
Fire Chiefs as well as the American Federation of Government Employees
and the National Association of Government Employees.
If enacted, H.R. 93 will bolster our firefighting, and emergency
medical services capabilities. We will maintain more experienced
firefighters in the field and in senior management positions by
allowing these brave men and women the option of continuing their
careers for an additional two years. In addition, the CBO estimates
that H.R. 93 will actually save the government $4 million over the next
5 years.
Madam Speaker, I support this bill because it would ensure that this
nation has the experienced personnel needed to fight fires throughout
the country. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of its passage.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman
from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis).
One of the most devoted and hard-working Members of this House was
Herb Bateman, and it really comes as no surprise to me that tonight,
the Representative who has assumed his seat wants to make a
contribution on the very first day and on the very first piece of
legislation.
(Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia asked and was given permission to
revise and extend her remarks.)
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor
today in support of H.R. 93, the Federal Firefighters Retirement Age
Fairness Act. As my colleagues know, this bill raises the mandatory
retirement age for Federal firefighters from 55 to age 57, allowing
Federal firefighters the option of continuing their public careers for
an additional 2 years. As a wife of a career firefighter, I understand
this lifestyle well and know that there is no substitute for experience
in their line of work.
This bill has gained bipartisan support from both management and
labor and has been endorsed by the International Association of Fire
Chiefs as well as the American Federation of Government Employees.
In my district, the First District of the great Commonwealth of
Virginia, I am proud of the hundreds of men and women who serve our
local communities and our Nation on Virginia's many military
installations as firefighters. These dedicated individuals often put
their lives and health in jeopardy so that property and people are
protected.
In addition to fighting fires, these men and women provide response
to hazardous material incidents, provide emergency medical services,
and inspect and protect our Federal facilities and bases.
I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) and the
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton) for working to make this much-
needed change in our Federal code, and I encourage my colleagues to
join me in supporting H.R. 93.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman
from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), of the Fifth Congressional District. The
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) has always been very sensitive to
our Federal employees and has constantly done things to lift up their
lives and their family's lives.
Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I appreciate very much the kind words of
the gentleman from Maryland. I rise in strong support of this
legislation. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) for
his leadership on this and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) for
his leadership on this as well.
This is the right thing to do. The good news is that we are healthier
for longer periods of time, more able to do vigorous things. Obviously,
our first responders, our firefighters and emergency response teams,
whether they be career or volunteer, are critical components of our
society. They are professionals in every sense of the word, whether
paid or volunteer; well trained. What this will do will allow us for
another 2 years to avail ourselves of that training, that expertise,
that commitment, and that courage.
{time} 1800
That is a very important thing for us to do. Some may or may not know
that there are some 10,000-plus firefighters in the Federal service, as
well as, of course, thousands and thousands across this Nation, both
paid and volunteer.
Firefighting is one of the most dangerous enterprises, and because it
is so, it requires people who have experience. I think this bill will
go a long way towards providing us the ability when the firefighter
chooses to allow them to continue in service until 57. As has been, I
am sure, observed on the floor of this House, this will make parity
between our law enforcement personnel and our firefighting personnel; a
very appropriate step for us to take.
Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, and,
like all of my colleagues, are in grateful recognition of the critical
contribution that firefighters and emergency response personnel
throughout this country make to our communities. As evidence of that,
those of my colleagues who are new, I would urge my colleagues to join
the Fire Service Caucus. It is the largest caucus in the Congress of
the United States, bipartisan, led by and founded by the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), himself a former fire chief and probably is
the most knowledgeable person we have in this country on fire issues.
I note on the floor, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell),
who was a leader on an effort for the first time last year in this
Congress, with the leadership on the majority side and on the minority
side, in a bipartisan way, to appropriate $100 million for firefighters
and emergency responders throughout this country.
Madam Speaker, this is an appropriate step, and I am pleased to join
my colleagues in seeing its overwhelming support.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes
to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), one of the most respected
Members of the House.
(Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GILMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
LaTourette) for yielding the time to me.
Madam Speaker, permit me to take this opportunity to thank the
gentleman from California, (Mr. Gallegly) for his leadership in
bringing this important measure, H.R. 93, the Federal Firefighters
Retirement Age Fairness Act, before the House today. I want to thank my
colleagues who have risen in support of this measure.
Everyday America's firefighters are placing their lives and welfare
on the line to protect our families, our homes and our communities and,
in turn, they deserve our providing them with the resources and
training that is so necessary as they face their dangerous tasks.
However, each year, regrettably, our veteran firefighters are forced
into retirement because of the mandatory separation age for Federal
firefighters. The Federal Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act
amends the Federal Civil Service law relating to the Civil Service
retirement system and the
[[Page H84]]
Federal Employees' Retirement System to provide the mandatory
separation age for the Federal firefighters, currently age 55, be made
the same as the age that applies with respect to Federal law
enforcement officers, which is currently age 57.
This important measure will positively assist the lives of thousands
of our Nation's firefighters, who will continue to offer experience to
the younger men and women who look to them for leadership and guidance
as they enter their noble profession.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 93 and urge our
colleagues in the House to support this worthy measure for our Nation's
firefighters, for their families and for the communities that they all
protect.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentlewoman
from Ohio (Mrs. Jones), my colleague.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I am happy to yield another 30 seconds
to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones), so she has a full minute so
we can hear what she has to say.
Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from
Maryland (Mr. Cummings) and my colleague from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) for
yielding me this time.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation. Having worked
over the years with a number of firefighter organizations in Cleveland
out of Ohio, particularly one year, on September 10, which is my
birthday, my house caught on fire, and I was so pleased with the work
and the level of experience of the officers that came to assist me.
They did not know it was me at the time that they came, but they are
really wonderful firefighter folks, and I am standing here to say if
they want to work longer, we ought to let them work longer, in terms of
providing experienced service as firefighters.
I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) and the gentleman
from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) for the opportunity to be heard on this
legislation, and I ask all of my colleagues to join us as we give
firefighters a new opportunity, just an opportunity to work on behalf
of the people.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes
to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Hart), another new Member of
the House of Representatives already making a difference.
Ms. HART. Madam Speaker, back in Pennsylvania, most of our
firefighters units are run by volunteers. As a State senator, I did my
best to support this proud community tradition, especially at times,
like now, when the job is so demanding and the number of volunteers is
declining.
Firefighting, as we all know, is tough work. It is difficult to find
qualified men and women who are willing to serve, whether it is as a
volunteer back home, at the Harrison Hills Volunteer Fire House in
Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, or as a member of the Federal
firefighters who do everything from protecting military bases to
responding to national emergencies, such as the Oklahoma City bombing.
I was surprised to learn that Federal law actually prevents many
seasoned and capable firefighters from staying on the job, even if they
wish to. Maybe it is my Pennsylvania perspective, but I believe that we
should support our firefighters, not force them into retirement when
their experience can still be put to great and even critical use.
To me, that means we should ensure our laws give firefighters more
authority to decide for themselves how long they can work safely and
effectively, and when they should retire. That is why I rise today in
support of H.R. 93. The bill would prevent these able-bodied,
experienced firefighters from being forced to retire before they wanted
to by raising that retirement age to the age of 57.
Madam Speaker, it is a great, common-sense measure protecting not
only these firefighters, but also public safety, by seeing that they
retain the qualified and experienced force. The taxpayers benefit from
this measure, too, because the Congressional Budget Office's analysis
indicates that this change will save the taxpayers over $4 million over
the next 5 years.
I commend my colleague from California (Mr. Gallegly) for introducing
this measure. I commend my colleagues who support this.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 seconds to the gentlewoman
from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee), my good friend.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the ranking
member, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), but I also want to
thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) for his leadership
on this issue.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith).
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Madam Speaker, we all should thank the
gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) for bringing this to our
attention. It moves the mandatory retirement age from 55 up to 57. The
fact that this is the first piece of legislation this new body is
considering I think helps demonstrate the esteem with which this
Congress holds the Nation's firefighters, its first responders.
This bill corrects an inequity. We owe, I think, a great debt to what
are some of the heroes of this country. We have 1.2 million
firefighters in this Nation. Over 90 percent are volunteers. That means
they are out risking their lives to help us. They truly are the first
responders.
We made a lot of progress, I think, towards reinforcing the fact that
this Congress supports firefighters. In this last session, we
appropriated $100 million in grants to cost share with local
communities to make sure that they have the equipment; that they have
the personnel; that they have the capable training they need.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. 93 as the next step in
our efforts to address issues of concern to the fire community. As the
chairman of the Subcommittee on Basic Research that oversees the
National Fire Administration, I suggest to all my colleagues that it is
important that we continue this kind of support. These are the men and
women that go out and have baked goods sales to try to support and
raise enough money to have the kind of equipment that is going to end
up saving our lives and our property. So when my colleagues go back
home, thank these individuals. This is a good bill. Let us move on with
it, and I hope that we continue this effort of supporting our first
responders.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, we have a limited amount of time, and it
is my understanding that the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) has
agreed to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall).
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, that is correct. In the spirit of
bipartisanship that permeates the Chamber, it is my pleasure to yield 1
minute to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall).
(Mr. UDALL of New Mexico asked and was given permission to revise and
extend his remarks.)
Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 93,
the Federal Firefighters Retirement Act, and this measure increases the
mandatory separation age for Federal firefighters from 55 to 57.
Last year was one of the worst fire seasons in our Nation's history.
My own congressional district experienced the devastating effects of
the Cerro Grande and the Vivash fires which consumed over 75,000 acres,
and burned over 200 homes.
The exemplary courage and dedication of the firefighters who have
fought these wildfires was tremendous. In fact, these same firefighters
continued to fight fire throughout the Nation beyond the normal fire
season that charred almost 7 million acres. Last year, however, it
became difficult to find enough firefighters to suppress, manage and
support these large fires. This prompted the need to hire back some of
the retired firefighting force.
We are losing wildland firefighters at an alarming rate to retirement
or other occupations. For example, in 1999, 57 percent of the U.S.
Forest Service firefighters were age 45 or older.
Madam Speaker, I would ask all my colleagues to support this bill.
H.R. 93 would allow the Federal Wildland fire agencies to keep
experienced firefighters on the line to safely protect homes, families,
and businesses. Moreover, the bill would allow more time for senior
fire managers to obtain higher incident command qualifications.
H.R. 93 amends Federal civil service laws to make the mandatory
separation age the
[[Page H85]]
same with respect to the age in which Federal law enforcement officers
can retire.
Furthermore, the legislation is estimated to save the Federal
Government approximately $4 million over 5 years. By allowing Federal
firefighters the option of continuing their careers for another 2
years, we will bolster our firefighting capabilities with more
experience and knowledge. I, therefore, urge my colleagues to support
this measure.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes
to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) whose name has been
invoked many times during the course of the debate, a champion of
firefighters all over the country and around the world.
(Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to revise
and extend his remarks.)
Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise, first of all, in
thanks for the outstanding leadership provided by my colleagues on both
sides of the aisle, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), for
bringing this bill to the floor, who has been constantly supportive of
efforts associated with the Fire Service, and the gentleman from
California (Mr. Gallegly), my good friend and colleague.
Madam Speaker, I can tell my colleagues that when the gentleman from
California (Mr. Gallegly) bites an issue, he does not let go, whether
it is fighting for the support for the airborne firefighters in
California, by getting the military to respond to the MAPS program, or
whether it is fighting for this legislation; the gentleman from
California (Mr. Gallegly) has been there.
It is not just with his words. I mean, the gentleman from California
(Mr. Gallegly) has gone out on nightly experiences here in D.C. with
the paid fire department when he and I rode the fire trucks to get a
feel for what our paid firefighters go through.
The gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) has been there on the
scene in situations, in California. I have been with him on the
wildlands fires, the earthquakes. The gentleman is someone who really
believes that we have to do more to assist these brave Americans.
Madam Speaker, this Congress and the last Congress have been the most
responsive in the history of this country to the American domestic
defenders, the men and women of our fire service. Both the paid and
volunteer firefighters in this country have benefitted from the actions
of this Congress in a strong bipartisan way.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for, again, recognizing
the fire service for what it is, the backbone of our country, the
people who make America strong. I want to thank the gentleman from
Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), I do not see him in the room, but the gentleman
has been a tireless advocate for the firefighters as the original
cochairman of the Fire Caucus. And, again, thank all of my colleagues
and ask for a very strong vote, again, for the support of the men and
women who make America such a great Nation, our fire and EMS personnel.
{time} 1815
Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, it is my understanding that the other
side will yield us 35 seconds.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. That is correct, Madam Speaker.
Before I do, the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) has asked
for 30 seconds. Then I will be happy to yield the gentleman from
Maryland (Mr. Cummings) 30 seconds, if that is all right with him.
Madam Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from California
(Mr. Gallegly).
(Mr. GALLEGLY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
LaTourette), again, for yielding me this time.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank all of my colleagues for their
testimony this afternoon and for the kind words.
Madam Speaker, if enacted, this bill will bolster our firefighting,
HAZMAT, and EMS capabilities. We will maintain more experienced
firefighters in the field and in senior management positions by
allowing Federal firefighters the option of continuing their careers
for 2 additional years.
I ask my colleagues to join with me this afternoon in passing this
very important legislation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The Chair recognizes the
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) for 55 seconds.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, our firefighters are often unseen,
unnoticed, unappreciated, and unapplauded. By doing what we are doing
today, I think we send a very strong message to them that we do
appreciate them and we do appreciate the fact that they can serve
beyond 55 years of life and probably could even go beyond 57.
But the fact still remains that we must continue to do what we are
doing today; and that is to lift them up.
I want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), the
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the gentleman from California (Mr.
Gallegly), the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps), and all of
those people of this Congress who have taken it upon themselves to make
sure that we send a very strong message to them.
With that, Madam Speaker, I urge all of our colleagues to vote in
favor of the Federal firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of our
time.
Madam Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from California (Mr.
Gallegly) for introducing this important bill and for his efforts to
bring it to the floor.
As our colleagues from the 106th Congress will remember, this bill
passed the House under suspension on October 17, 2000, but failed to
receive Senate action.
I want to take the time to thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr.
Burton), the chairman of the full committee; the gentleman from Florida
(Mr. Scarborough), the subcommittee chairman; the gentleman from
California (Mr. Waxman), the ranking member of the full committee; and
the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), ranking member of the
subcommittee, for their effort.
Last year, Madam Speaker, the Congressional Budget Office estimated
that the bill will actually save the government $4 million in direct
spending over the next 5 years. The Office of Personnel Management,
which administers civil service retirement, believes that it is
appropriate to apply the same mandatory separation age to firefighters
as we do to law enforcement officers.
I urge Members to lend their support.
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 93, the
Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act. This sensible piece of
legislation eliminates the unfair forced retirement for Federal
firefighters by raising the mandatory separation age from 55 to 57,
providing Federal firefighters with the same retirement age as Federal
law enforcement officers.
This bill goes a long way towards fairness and equity by giving a
class of civil servants who provide valuable contributions towards
public safety their just due. By raising the mandatory separation age
for Federal firefighters, we do not only equate their benefits with
Federal law enforcement officers, but we take into account their
individual merits and their ability to continue substantial and
dedicated service to the community.
Among the people who will benefit from the passage of this bill are
about a hundred Federal fighters from my home island of Guam. These
folks who work for both the Navy and the Air Force aside from their
assigned duties are called upon to assist the civilian community in
times of calamities and disasters. Among their distinguished
contributions was the assistance they provided during the recent crash
of Korean Air Flight 801. On Guam, these civil servants are
distinguished and greatly admired members of our community.
Let us take this occasion to show our appreciation for the dedicated
service and contributions of Federal firefighters by allowing them
service based on their own merits. I urge my colleagues to support H.R.
93.
Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the
Federal Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act, a bill which would
raise the mandatory retirement age for Federal firefighters to the same
age as Federal law enforcement officers. As a proud cosponsor of this
bill, I appreciate the House taking up this significant legislation.
Currently, federal firefighters must retire at age 55. The Federal
Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act would correct this oversight
by raising the retirement age to 57. This will allow more firefighters
to remain on the front
[[Page H86]]
lines in the battle against devastating fires in my District and across
the country.
As the recent wildfires, which ravaged much of the West, have shown,
firefighters are in great demand. Many of our Nation's firefighters are
quickly approaching retirement age, highlighting the growing shortage
of well trained, quality firefighters. In fact, a recent report issued
by the General Accounting Office stated that because of an aging work
force there will be a shortage of qualified firefighters in the U.S.
Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and that the
situation could have a direct impact on firefighters' safety. Because
it takes 17 to 22 years of experience to become eligible for
firefighters leadership positions, an extra two years of service will
give federal firefighters the option of continuing their careers and
bolster fire fighting capabilities by having more experience in the
field among our chiefs and commanders.
Madam Speaker, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to every person who has
taken part in combating destructive fires--these heroes deserve our
strongest support. Their work in protecting our lives, our families,
our property, and our environment is deeply appreciated by the
residents of the Central Coast and by all Americans.
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Madam Speaker, the fact that the first piece
of legislation this new body is considering is a firefighting bill
helps demonstrate the esteem with which the Congress holds the Nation's
firefighters. This bill, which corrects an inequity in the mandatory
retirement age for federal firefighters compared to their law
enforcement counterparts, continues the good work of the last Congress
in addressing issues of concern to the firefighting community.
We owe a great debt to our firefighters--federal and municipal, paid
and volunteer. The 1.2 million men and women of the fire services serve
as our nation's domestic defenders, often placing themselves at great
risk. And yet they continue to man the front lines for our communities
against fires, accidents, and disasters. Increasingly, we are asking
them to take on further responsibilities--to respond to terrorist
attacks or to help stem environmental disasters, for example. It's
important that as we ask them to take on more, we stay committed to
insuring we support them as best we can.
We made a lot of progress towards that end in the last session. We
were able to secure $100 million in funding for a grant program that
will help fire departments nationwide purchase equipment, train
personnel, and promote fire safety. We increased our support for the
Volunteer Fire Assistance Program and began a study of ways to better
allocate radio frequencies to fire services.
Madam Speaker, I'm pleased to support H.R. 93 as the next step in our
efforts to address issues of concern to the fire community. And, as
Chairman of the Subcommittee with oversight over the U.S. Fire
Administration, I look forward to continuing to work to ensure our
first responders get the support they deserve.
Mr. LaTourette. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 93, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that
a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is
not present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evidently a quorum is not present.
The Sergeant at Arms will notify absent Members.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 401,
nays 0, not voting 31, as follows:
[Roll No. 5]
YEAS--401
Abercrombie
Ackerman
Aderholt
Akin
Allen
Andrews
Armey
Baca
Baird
Baker
Baldacci
Baldwin
Barcia
Barr
Barrett
Bartlett
Barton
Bentsen
Bereuter
Berkley
Berman
Berry
Biggert
Bilirakis
Bishop
Blagojevich
Blumenauer
Blunt
Boehlert
Boehner
Bonilla
Bonior
Borski
Boswell
Boucher
Boyd
Brady (PA)
Brady (TX)
Brown (FL)
Brown (OH)
Brown (SC)
Bryant
Burr
Burton
Buyer
Calvert
Camp
Cantor
Capito
Capps
Capuano
Cardin
Carson (OK)
Castle
Chabot
Chambliss
Clay
Clayton
Clement
Clyburn
Coble
Collins
Combest
Condit
Conyers
Cooksey
Costello
Cox
Coyne
Cramer
Crane
Crenshaw
Crowley
Cubin
Culberson
Cummings
Cunningham
Davis (CA)
Davis (FL)
Davis (IL)
Davis, Jo Ann
Davis, Thomas M.
Deal
Delahunt
DeLauro
DeLay
DeMint
Deutsch
Diaz-Balart
Dicks
Dingell
Doggett
Dooley
Doolittle
Doyle
Dreier
Duncan
Dunn
Edwards
Ehlers
Ehrlich
Emerson
Engel
English
Eshoo
Etheridge
Evans
Farr
Fattah
Ferguson
Filner
Flake
Fletcher
Foley
Ford
Frank
Frelinghuysen
Frost
Gallegly
Ganske
Gekas
Gephardt
Gibbons
Gilchrest
Gillmor
Gilman
Gonzalez
Goode
Goodlatte
Gordon
Goss
Graham
Granger
Graves
Green (TX)
Green (WI)
Greenwood
Grucci
Gutknecht
Hall (OH)
Hall (TX)
Hansen
Harman
Hart
Hastings (FL)
Hastings (WA)
Hayes
Hayworth
Hefley
Herger
Hill
Hilleary
Hilliard
Hinchey
Hoeffel
Hoekstra
Holden
Holt
Honda
Hooley
Horn
Hostettler
Hoyer
Hulshof
Hunter
Hutchinson
Hyde
Inslee
Isakson
Israel
Issa
Istook
Jackson (IL)
Jackson-Lee (TX)
Jefferson
Jenkins
John
Johnson (CT)
Johnson (IL)
Johnson, E.B.
Johnson, Sam
Jones (NC)
Jones (OH)
Kanjorski
Kaptur
Keller
Kelly
Kennedy (MN)
Kennedy (RI)
Kerns
Kildee
Kilpatrick
Kind (WI)
King (NY)
Kingston
Kirk
Kleczka
Knollenberg
Kolbe
Kucinich
LaFalce
LaHood
Lampson
Langevin
Largent
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Latham
LaTourette
Lee
Levin
Lewis (CA)
Lewis (GA)
Lewis (KY)
Linder
LoBiondo
Lofgren
Lowey
Lucas (KY)
Lucas (OK)
Luther
Maloney (CT)
Maloney (NY)
Manzullo
Markey
Mascara
Matheson
Matsui
McCarthy (MO)
McCarthy (NY)
McCollum
McCrery
McDermott
McGovern
McHugh
McInnis
McIntyre
McKeon
McKinney
McNulty
Meehan
Meeks (NY)
Menendez
Mica
Millender-McDonald
Miller (FL)
Miller, Gary
Miller, George
Mink
Moore
Moran (KS)
Moran (VA)
Morella
Murtha
Myrick
Nadler
Napolitano
Nethercutt
Ney
Northup
Norwood
Nussle
Oberstar
Obey
Olver
Osborne
Ose
Otter
Owens
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor
Paul
Payne
Pelosi
Pence
Peterson (MN)
Peterson (PA)
Petri
Phelps
Pickering
Pitts
Platts
Pombo
Pomeroy
Portman
Price (NC)
Pryce (OH)
Putnam
Quinn
Radanovich
Rahall
Ramstad
Rangel
Regula
Rehberg
Reyes
Reynolds
Riley
Rivers
Rodriguez
Roemer
Rogers (KY)
Rogers (MI)
Rohrabacher
Ros-Lehtinen
Ross
Rothman
Roukema
Roybal-Allard
Royce
Ryan (WI)
Ryun (KS)
Sabo
Sanders
Sandlin
Sawyer
Saxton
Scarborough
Schaffer
Schakowsky
Schiff
Schrock
Scott
Sensenbrenner
Serrano
Sessions
Shadegg
Shaw
Shays
Sherman
Sherwood
Shimkus
Shows
Shuster
Simmons
Simpson
Sisisky
Skeen
Skelton
Slaughter
Smith (MI)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Smith (WA)
Snyder
Solis
Souder
Spence
Spratt
Stearns
Stenholm
Strickland
Stump
Stupak
Sununu
Sweeney
Tancredo
Tanner
Tauscher
Tauzin
Taylor (MS)
Taylor (NC)
Terry
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Thornberry
Thune
Thurman
Tiahrt
Tiberi
Tierney
Toomey
Towns
Traficant
Turner
Udall (CO)
Udall (NM)
Upton
Velazquez
Visclosky
Walden
Walsh
Wamp
Waters
Watkins
Watt (NC)
Watts (OK)
Waxman
Weiner
Weldon (FL)
Weldon (PA)
Weller
Whitfield
Wicker
Wilson
Wolf
Woolsey
Wu
Wynn
Young (FL)
NOT VOTING--31
Bachus
Ballenger
Bass
Becerra
Bono
Callahan
Cannon
Carson (IN)
DeFazio
DeGette
Everett
Fossella
Gutierrez
Hinojosa
Hobson
Houghton
Lantos
Leach
Meek (FL)
Moakley
Mollohan
Neal
Ortiz
Oxley
Rush
Sanchez
Stark
Thomas
Vitter
Wexler
Young (AK)
{time} 1841
Mr. ENGEL changed his vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.''
So (two-thirds having voted in favor thereof) the rules were
suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Stated for:
Ms. SANCHEZ. Madam Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 5 on January 30,
2001, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have
voted ``yea.''
____________________